Unfortunately, heroes don’t walk around with a big “H” on their chests. Heroes appear in all shapes and sizes. However, we don’t know who our heroes are until we are faced with a challenge that is difficult to handle alone. Sometimes, we don’t even realize that we need help. An encounter with a hero can be unexpected, yet welcomed and never forgotten.
Since 1876, the YMCA of Greater San Antonio has played an important role by connecting those in need with the heroes in our community who are ready, able and willing to help. From our humble beginnings and throughout our history the YMCA has been an active leader in helping build our most valuable assets. Our most valuable assets are our children, our families and our community. This past year the YMCA, through our Y Partners Annual Campaign, provided $1,500,000 (estimated) in program scholarships to support the needs of children and families in San Antonio and the surrounding communities.
Everyday the YMCA of Greater San Antonio is making a difference and having a positive impact on people. We do this through our values-based programs and activities that help our community to be a better place to live, work and play. We know that there is a need for the YMCA in today’s community and believe the need will be greater tomorrow. And, thanks to the support of our members, volunteers and participants, the YMCA of Greater San Antonio is building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
The YMCA has a strong commitment to continue our mission of “Building healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” This strong commitment is necessary as our city and the surrounding area experiences tremendous growth. With growth comes the need to expand programs and services to support our valued assets, of children, families and community. The YMCA is meeting the challenge of finding “Community Heroes!” through our Y Partners Annual Support Campaign. The Y Partners campaign provides the much needed program scholarships to those who qualify for a helping hand. In addition, our Y Partners campaign ensures that the YMCA will be able to continue to grow, to expand and enhance services, and provide scholarships for the future. Your support of Y Partners makes it possible to fulfill our commitment to provide our great programs and services for all today and tomorrow.
Building Strong Kids remains a core focus of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. We know that the YMCA plays a vital role in helping future generations grow, thrive and prosper. Through our programs that teach and exhibit the core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith, we teach the kids of today how to negotiate and overcome the challenges they face on a daily basis. Our programs are specifically designed to build character in our children. With your support we continue helping raise children who contribute to our community as productive adults. The Y Partners Campaign provides thousands of children with the opportunity to enjoy youth sports, swimming, day camp, resident camp, and after-school programs throughout the year.
Building Strong Families is at the heart of the mission of the YMCA. While today’s families may not always fit the traditional description, most still seek opportunities to spend real quality time together in a healthy, fun and safe environment. The YMCA meets that challenge and fills the need. In our neighborhoods the YMCA serves as a gathering place where families, friends, and individuals can grow together. More than 6,000 families received assistance through our Y Partners Annual Support Campaign last year.
Building Strong Communities in San Antonio and the surrounding area is what the YMCA does so well. By collectively sharing through the Y Partners Campaign we essentially share ourselves. Together with our corporate partners, community volunteers and donors, we are able to strengthen the values, commitment and connections we have to each other. The YMCA provides programs that build character to enrich the lives of kids and families, and simultaneously improves our community as a whole.
